DID YOU KNOW? A TILLAMOOK LANDMARK WITH A REMARKABLE HISTORY!

Townsend Hall – Tillamook Senior Citizens Club
316 Stillwell Avenue, Tillamook, Oregon

For nearly a century, Townsend Hall has been a place where the Tillamook community comes together. But did you know that this historic building owes its beginnings to a newspaper subscription contest and a movement that helped shape Social Security?
It All Began with a $5,000 Prize! Townsend Hall was built in 1930 after local supporters won a $5,000 prize for selling subscriptions to The Townsend Weekly, a newspaper associated with Dr. Francis Townsend of Long Beach, California. During the Great Depression, Dr. Townsend was deeply concerned about the financial struggles of older Americans. Along with Robert Earl Clements, he promoted the “Townsend Plan,” a proposal for old-age pensions that helped influence the national conversation leading to the establishment of Social Security. Dr. Townsend himself traveled to Tillamook for the dedication of the new hall named in his honor! The celebration featured the Tillamook High School Band and a piano solo performed by 95-year-old Mrs. Florence Percy. Dr. Townsend personally thanked the people of Tillamook for their dedication to his plan and remarkable success in selling newspaper subscriptions. The impressive new hall could seat 500 people and featured a large stage and club room.
On June 1, 1938, Pearl and Isaac Staples conveyed the property to the Tillamook Welfare Association, Inc. On February 16, 1966, the organization officially became the Tillamook Senior Citizens Club, Inc. As the community’s needs changed, so did the building. Around 1978, part of the west end was converted into a senior meal site, complete with a kitchen and dining area. The space continues to serve senior meal programs and Meals on Wheels. On January 19, 1979, a drop-in center opened in the east end of the building. The large central room remained a gathering place for dances, potlucks, rummage sales, and other community activities. By 2013, club membership had declined, and the building had fallen into disrepair. Rather than let this historic gathering place disappear, dedicated community members formed a renovation committee and went to work. Through countless volunteer hours, generous donations, and grants, Townsend Hall was brought back to life! Today, the building remains owned and operated by the Tillamook Senior Citizens Club. The club is self-supporting and receives no government operating funding. With growing membership and activities, Townsend Hall continues its long tradition of providing a welcoming place for seniors to meet, socialize, and enjoy their community.

Do you remember attending a dance, potluck, rummage sale, or other event at Townsend Hall? We’d love to hear your memories!